We cast off from Grutness pier at 0940 and sailed past the Roost at Sumburgh head in slack water. We started off with some good sailing towards Fair Isle, but the wind lightened as we approached Fair Isle, where we moored on the pier behind the Fair Isle Ferry (the Good Shepherd) and a French yacht in North Harbour at 1540. Much activity followed – visits to the Bird Observatory, biking to the small shop for some stores, getting the dinghy out for Thomas and the girls to explore the amazing caves around the harbour, and view the large seals on and near the rocks, cooking and washing, etc etc. Sigrid and Thea Kari have written about the caves and seals on the blog.
Seal and Seagull clip, cave entrance N Harbour, Fair Isle. Credit Selma.
Next morning we set sail for Orkney at 0810 in thick mist, but a nice NW wind arrived off the SW corner of Fair Isle. We have a favourable tide and wind for some hours before it died a bit. We decided to head for Sanday rather than Westray because of the wind speed and direction. At 1620 we dropped anchor in Kettletoft bay, Sunday, and the Thiis family went for a long walk to find one of the many great beaches to swim at. It was very quiet! But a lovely anchorage to stay for the night.
Photos from Kettletoft Bay and around, Sanday. Credit: Hege.
On 4 July we raised anchor at 0855 and set sail for Kirkwall to take advantage of the tidal streams. The nearly mist cleared to a nice sunny day with a good NW wind to take us into Kirkwall bay, tying up at the Marina at 1400.
Sailing with Svalen 